Closing International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper 2026

The International Course on the Conservation of Japanese Paper was concluded on September 11.

In the course, 10 participants from around the world learned about conservation using Japanese paper through lectures, practical training, and a study tour.

In the practical training, participants learned traditional Japanese mounting and restoration techniques through the making of a kansu (handscroll). They also developed a better understanding of Japanese paper by knowing the structure and handling of hanging scrolls and folding screens.

On the study tour, from August 31 to September 4, they visited Mino, Nagoya and Kyoto. At the Mino Washi Museum, a Hon-minoshi papermaking studio and the Mino Historical Museum in Mino, they learned about papermaking materials and techniques and also experienced papermaking firsthand. In Nagoya, they visited the reconstructed Honmaru Palace of Nagoya Castle to see how fusuma (sliding doors) and shoji (paper screens) were used in traditional Japanese architectural spaces. In Kyoto, they visited a traditional conservation studio and tool shops.

The opportunity to hear directly from producers of conservation materials and tools, as well as conservators, was especially valuable for the participants.

We expect that the participants will continue to make significant contributions to their institutions by applying the knowledge and skills gained through this course to their professional work.

Top：Closing ceremony
Middle：Practical training
Bottom：Study tour（Left: In front of the Mino Historical Museum, Right: Papermaking experience at a Hon-minoshi papermaking studio）